Buzz
Just a few weeks after the initial announcement of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 at WWDC, Apple has rolled out the beta software version for testing to all users. This means that if you have a qualifying iPhone or iPad, you can install the 'early' version of the software and provide feedback to help improve the overall experience before its official release this fall. There are plenty of reasons pushing you to upgrade to iOS 14 for your iPhone and iPad, but is it the right move or not?
Upgrading to iOS 14: To Do or Not To Do?
1. What's New in iOS 14?
When Apple unveiled iOS 14 at the WWDC conference, there was much anticipation for the latest operating system version. The official release of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 is expected this fall alongside the iPhone 12, bringing a slew of new features and functions to enhance the user experience. Apple has finally added the ability to arrange widgets on the iPhone's home screen. An App Drawer akin to Android's, called App Library, is also introduced, Siri has a new interface, the Messages app undergoes a makeover, and the iPad's Picture-in-Picture feature makes its way to the iPhone. These are just a few of the innovations that iOS 14 brings to iPhone users. Check out What's New in iOS 14 here.
2. Devices Eligible for iOS 14 Update.
Apple maintains the list of devices eligible for the iOS 14 upgrade, similar to iOS 13:
- - iPhone 6S and later
- - iPad Air 2 and later
- - All models of iPad Pro
- - 5th generation iPad and later
- - iPad Mini 4 and later
3. With such fantastic new features, should you update to iOS 14?
The new features of iOS 14 may not be entirely stable, and it's likely to have some glitches until the final update is released in the coming months. Currently, users can test iOS 14 by participating in the Apple Beta Software Program. This means Apple allows anyone to download and install the beta version of the operating system, enabling users to experience new features before the official update is launched. But is it worth the risk?
Beta software is designed for testing. It often contains bugs causing app crashes, random Wi-Fi drops, and unexplained overheating or rapid battery depletion. The iOS 14 beta version may also be less secure, with vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to install malware or steal personal data. That's why Apple advises against installing the iOS beta on your 'primary' iPhone.
According to some users who installed the iOS 14 public beta, they are experiencing strange iPhone memory issues. Despite encountering numerous unwanted glitches, users can still downgrade iOS 14 to iOS 13 or a previous stable version, but this comes with a major drawback - you'll have to perform a Factory Reset on your iPhone or iPad. This means starting afresh as if your device were entirely new, or if you've backed up before installing the beta, use it as a restore point. Either way, you may lose some or even a significant amount of data, not something anyone wants to encounter.
Overall, if you want to experience iOS 14 beforehand and don't mind the glitches, don't hesitate to upgrade iOS 14 for your iPhone and iPad.
4. Some considerations before updating to iOS 14.
If you truly want to explore iOS 14 beta, you can do so more safely with the following considerations:
- Use a secondary iPhone. Don't install the test iOS on your main phone as there's always the risk of it malfunctioning or breaking.
- Back up all data on the device. This way, if any issues arise, you can restore your device to its previous state.
- Avoid accessing sensitive apps on the test device. There's a slight risk that software bugs could expose your passwords, credit card details, or other sensitive information.
iOS 14 beta is an excellent way to experience what Apple has in store early on. However, this early access comes with risks, especially if you lack the technical skills to uninstall iOS 14. Apple will provide very basic guidance if any issues occur.
If you're not 100% confident in your tech abilities, it's best to wait until the official release of iOS 14. At least then, you can be sure that most bugs and security vulnerabilities have been identified and addressed beforehand.
However, if you've already installed iOS 14, you should also explore some of the exciting new features it offers. With How to Use Picture in Picture on iOS 14, as introduced by Mytour in the previous article, it's guaranteed not to disappoint when upgrading to iOS 14.
